Laughing should be on the menu

There are a host of ways fitness-minded folks can burn a few extra calories, even if they don't know they're doing it. For instance, those who can't sit still and tend to have a nervous personality may burn more calories than a person who is calm. That's because fidgeting can burn up to 350 calories a day.

Laughing more can also burn extra calories. Scientists estimate that laughing 100 times is equivalent to a 10-minute workout on a rowing machine.

Remember to get some shut-eye as well. Research has found that dieters who get adequate sleep can more easily shed weight.

And for those who are feeling amorous, engaging in intimate behavior can burn up to 360 calories an hour.